Grateful in Grief
Grief is fluid and unpredictable. We work through the stages and then find ourselves knocked backwards. This life is hard. Our grief is deep. It pounds in our broken hearts threatening to crack them wide open with each beat. We fear the shattered pieces will be too many to put back together–even for God.
Yet I have learned it is good to grieve. We can find solace in our tears. We shouldn’t bury them deep and pretend they don’t exist. We need to acknowledge when our circumstances are terrible and allow ourselves time to feel our sorrow.
I am also learning that we need wisdom in our grief to know when to give ourselves grace and when to push ourselves forward. Sometimes we need to pull away and let the tears flow, to rest and reflect on what is now missing from our lives. To mourn. Sometimes, despite the pain we are feeling, we must sing a different song.
When we focus on our circumstances we get stuck in our disappointments. Discouragement and fear can join forces and quickly overwhelm us. Rather, we must determine to fix our eyes on Jesus. As we cry out to Him, He puts a new song in our hearts, a song of strength, joy, and security. His love for us is loyal, compassionate, and good. He is with us. He fills us with hope.
As we grieve we can also be grateful. He is near to the brokenhearted. He blesses those who make Him their trust. He bends His ear to hear our cries. He promises to one day turn our sorrow into joy.
Lord, when we are afraid, we put our trust in You. When the waters rise up to overwhelm us, we cry to You! You are our help. You keep us from stumbling. Your loyal, covenant love never ceases. It surrounds us. It is unconditional and forever! Your resources never run out nor do they disappoint. Your joy fills us in every circumstance and satisfies our souls. May we not let our eyes stray from You. May our hearts trust fully and be content in You alone. May we seek You with all our hearts and praise You! For You are good and Your steadfast love for us endures forever. Amen.
